Kenny Vaccaro could be a first-round option for the Detroit Lions according to former scout Russ Lande. AP Photo

When most people discuss the Detroit Lions' options with the fifth pick in the 2013 NFL draft, the names commonly thrown around are defensive ends Damontre Moore and Bjoern Werner, cornerback Dee Milliner, offensive tackle Luke Joeckle and linebacker Jarvis Jones.

Russ Lande, a former NFL scout for the Cleveland Browns and St. Louis Rams, believes the Lions could go in a different direction if the top pass-rushers come off the board early.

Lande could see the Lions selecting Texas safety Kenny Vaccaro.

"He's a ball-hawking safety that can come up and hit and tackle," Lande told the St. Louis Dispath. "He's the real deal. I wouldn't be shocked if Detroit -- if there's no elite pass-rusher there -- Detroit at No. 5 may take him. He's really good."

In his senior season for the Longhorns, Vaccaro recorded 92 tackles, two interceptions, two forced fumbles, and seven pass breakups. He was scheduled to participate in the Senior Bowl this week, but backed out of the commitment days before the event.

The Lions certainly have a need at safety. Detroit started six different players at the position last season, led by Erik Coleman and Louis Delmas with seven starts each. The team's projected starters in 2012, Delmas and Amari Spievey (restricted), are both free agents.

Vaccaro, at 6-foot-1, 218 pounds, has the size and durability Detroit is looking for in its secondary. He appeared in 51 games over the past four years with no significant injuries.

At Texas, the Longhorns used Vaccaro in a variety of different ways. He operated as both a single-high safety and part of a two-high shell. In addition, he saw a significant number of snaps in man coverage, covering opposing slot receivers. Vaccaro was also regularly asked to blitz.